[She ostentatiously locks the closed door.]
Benvenuta. Sister Sacristan, I trust the novice you left in my charge has returned to her task.
Sister Sacristan. I trust she has.
Benvenuta [after a pause]. I wish I might help you with your duties sometimes, Sister.
Sister Sacristan. I do not need you, little sister.
Benvenuta. I am sorry.
[Mechanically she counts her buttons.]
[Enter the Abbess.]
The Abbess [to the Sacristan]. Sister, go into the chapel and tell the Reverend Father that the Bolognese puppet man is waiting, and say that I wish to see him here; and bid the Reverend Father bring the manuscript of his poem for Shrove Tuesday.
[The Sister Sacristan goes out. Benvenuta remains, waiting patiently for a word from the Abbess.]